Voter ID Bill Stalls in MO Senate

The GOP-led effort to require a photo ID at the polls caused a Senate stalemate until almost 2:00 a.m. Wednesday. Republicans said the bill would increase voter confidence and eliminate voter fraud.

"Almost 95% of Missourians have a valid photo ID," said Sen. Delbert Scott of Lowry City. "So, it wouldn't be as big of a deal as people think."

But, it's a big deal to Democrats who worry about the 5% of residents who don't have a valid ID.

"I think this bill disenfranchises the poor, the disabled and the elderly," said Sen Chuck Graham of Columbia.

The bill also would require a mobile ID-making system to go to places like senior centers for residents who can't go to the Department of Motor Vehicles. The mobile system would cost $1.8 million in its first year.

"I think that the government should make it easier for people to vote, not harder," said Peter Yronwode, a Columbia voter.

There are about 190,000 Missourians who would need to get an ID before they could vote under the proposed law. Republican lawmakers plan to bring up the bill again when the legislature returns from its spring break March 27.